RUGBY PICTURES: Rugby Lions in action against Towcestrians

Midlands 1 East

Rugby Lions 15 Towcestrians 39

Rugby Lions welcomed Towcestrians to Webb Ellis Road a week later than scheduled due to last week’s postponement caused by Storm Dennis, writes Dave Rushall.

With this weekend originally a free week, Lions were without at least six players who had made other commitments. With no recognised hooker, Ben Nuttall stepped up to fill the breach, with Mitch Corney taking the throw-ins

The home side began well enough and were first to trouble the scorers with a penalty converted by Kris McFedries after four minutes. Towcestrians drew level three minutes later with a penalty of their own.

Towcestrians began to gain the upper hand and Lions were forced to defend desperately. Eventually a long pass out to the left wing and a weak attempt at a tackle, allowed the receiver to stroll over for an easy try which was converted to give the visitors the lead.

Lions were soon back in contention when a lovely inside pass by Kris McFedries allowed full back Theo Knight to streak through for a nice try. The conversion just drifted wide to leave the score at 8-10. The visitors continued to play the better rugby, and extended their lead with a long range penalty. They then had a huge slice of luck when a chip to the corner took a wicked bounce to completely wrong foot Theo Knight who looked to have it covered. It bounced over Theo’s head and straight into the arms of a grateful winger who sauntered over to touch down under the posts and bring the first half to a close.

Half time score: - 8-20

Concerted pressure by the visitors at the start of the second half looked to have been repelled when the ball was dropped fifteen metres from the line. A Lions defender picked up the loose ball and attempted a very ambitious blind pass out of the back of the hand. The ball went straight to an opponent who strolled over unopposed for an easy converted try.

Following a line-out on Lion’s twenty two, Towcestrians got the drive working well and Lions were unable to halt the momentum, giving the visitors the bonus point try, which was converted.

Towcestrians continued to show the greater desire, but Lions did score a well-worked consolation try following a break by Theo Knight from deep inside his own half. He fed the ball to replacement wing Jonny Ure who looked like he might go the whole way on his own. The last defender did manage to get across, but Jonny slipped the ball back to Knight to complete a lovely try, converted by McFedries.

Towcestrians completed the scoring with another try in the final play of the game and secure a well deserved win.

Next week Lions travel to bottom club Wellingborough and will need to regroup and refocus to achieve a result there. Kick-off is 2.15pm.

Final Score:-